Being involved in an accident while being on foot can be a scary and life-changing experience. I have witnessed the terrible effect these incidents can leave on people and their families. And when you go through such an accident, it doesn't only mean dealing with physical injuries but also coping with numerous medical expenses, lost wages, and complicated legal issues. Hence, it becomes clear that there must be someone who would help to cope with this situation, and here the importance of a pedestrian accident attorney arises.
Imagine you were just walking down the street minding your own business, and suddenly all your world is shaking. The first minutes after such an incident are characterized by panic, pain, and bewilderment. Further follows the recovery process which includes visits to doctors and therapists, and filling countless amount of papers. This is the time when you need an experienced person who will know how to solve your problem.
What Services Can a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Provide for You?
When you're going through a pedestrian accident, you don't want to be stressed out about trying to navigate legal terms or negotiating with insurance companies. In my opinion, it should be a pedestrian accident attorney's job to take away this huge responsibility from you and perform all of the hard work while you recover. What does that include?
First Consultation and Full Evaluation of Your Case
Our work will start from the consultation. We will have a talk with each other, and you will share with me your story. Our meeting won’t be aimed only at gathering the information but at comprehending your situation. We will discuss in details the circumstances of the accident, your injuries, and troubles you have. I will inform you of the possible ways out, the legal ways to resolve the issue, and the possible outcome of our work. It is not obligatory for you to choose any of the offered solutions yet.
Deep Investigation & Collecting Evidence
It is here that the investigative part kicks in. Let me inform you that insurance companies are not always willing to pay you loads of cash, and hence we need to ensure that there is enough proof on your behalf. Here is what me and my associates will do:
- Gather all available evidence: It will include police reports, video footage captured by the traffic cameras, statements by witnesses, medical records, and photographs from the accident spot.
- Find all liable parties: Not only can the driver be held liable but other parties like city municipalities, construction companies and even car manufacturers can be involved.
- Speak to expert witnesses: This may include bringing in experts such as accident reconstruction specialists, doctors and economists.
As you see, we don’t skip any steps because each of them can become important in winning your compensation.
Working With the Insurance Companies
Frankly speaking, this is where many people trip up if they decide to handle their case without help. Insurance adjusters are professionals, and their main interest isn't you. It's the company they represent and minimizing the amount of money their company has to pay. There are different ways for them to do that – to offer you fast and low settlement or blame you in everything. But we've seen this game many times before and know how to play it better than insurance companies. We will communicate with them on your behalf, make all negotiations and fill out all forms.
Settlement Negotiations
Most cases of personal injury, such as those caused by pedestrians' accidents, are resolved by means of negotiations. My staff and I will be negotiating fiercely with the insurance company of the at-fault party to get the biggest settlement possible for you and your injuries and losses.
If Litigation Becomes Necessary
Although we strive to reach an agreement out of court, there are instances when the insurance company does not agree to a fair offer. In such a situation, we are ready to take your case to court. Having the necessary courtroom experience, I will fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury. Be sure that if it becomes necessary, you will have a real fighter on your side.
Why Solo Representation Is a Bad Idea Following a Pedestrian Accident
It is common for people to believe that going it alone will help them save on costs or because they feel that their case is rather simple. However, this is usually the wrong approach, and here is why:
- Complex Legal Knowledge: Pedestrian injury laws are highly complex, as there are certain laws regarding the right of way, negligence, comparative fault, and statutes of limitation that vary from one state to another. Failure to adhere to deadlines or misunderstanding the relevant laws may ruin your claim.
- Establishing Liability (Negligence): While it may seem easy for you to understand who is at fault for your injury, proving liability may be much more complicated. This is because you will have to prove negligence, that is, that the driver owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and such a breach was the cause of your injury.